Nexus Dietitian

Make a real difference in young lives - join a specialist CAMHS inpatient team delivering life-changing nutritional care in a supportive, multidisciplinary environment.

Employment Type: Temporary Part Time until February 2027
Position Classification: Dietitian Level 3
Remuneration: $58.95 - $60.86 per hour + super
Location: John Hunter Hospital
Hours Per Week: 24
Requisition ID: REQ644796
Applications Close: Thursday, 9th April 2026

This is a Level 3 position. However, if there are no appropriate Level 3 applicants, applications from Level 1 and 2 will be considered. The selection criteria reflects the requirements for a Level 3 applicant. Responses from Level 1 or 2 applicants need to demonstrate their level of competence with regard to the same criteria and their ability to work towards Level 3. The expected performance of the incumbent will be commensurate with his/her years of experience and current level at commencement of appointment. The incumbent will work towards meeting the criteria for Level 3. Please contact the hiring manager via the email below to discuss eligibility.

Where you'll be working:
Nexus is a specialised Child and Adolescent Mental Health inpatient unit providing acute care for young people with complex mental health needs across the Hunter New England region. The dietitian works as part of a multidisciplinary team supporting presentations including eating disorders, mood and trauma-related conditions, and broader psychosocial complexity. The role contributes to assessment, care planning, and ongoing nutritional support, as well as providing consultation to staff and families. The service is recovery-oriented, trauma-informed, and strongly connected to both internal teams and external partners to support safe and effective care transitions.

The unit is located within the John Hunter Hospital campus in New Lambton Heights, Newcastle, within a large tertiary health precinct alongside John Hunter Children’s Hospital. The current facility provides a structured inpatient environment with shared therapeutic and clinical spaces, with future plans for a refurbished space aligned to contemporary models of care. The team culture is supportive, collaborative, and focused on high-quality, person-centred care. There is a strong emphasis on communication, reflective practice, and continuous improvement, with staff working together to maintain a calm and respectful environment for young people and their families.

About the role:
The dietitian at Nexus provides specialist nutritional assessment and intervention for young people admitted to the unit, with a strong focus on eating disorders and the physical health impacts of mental illness. Day-to-day work includes completing comprehensive assessments, developing and reviewing nutrition care plans, monitoring nutritional status and risk, supporting meal planning and mealtime interventions, and contributing to multidisciplinary care planning. The role also involves providing education and guidance to staff and families, supporting safe refeeding practices, and assisting with discharge planning to ensure continuity of care with community services. The role services both the Nexus inpatient unit and also provides in reach into the John Hunter Children’s hospital.

This is a rewarding role for someone interested in working within a dynamic mental health setting, where they can make a meaningful impact on young people and their recovery. The position offers opportunities to work collaboratively within a skilled multidisciplinary team while also exercising autonomy in clinical decision-making. Hours are typically standard business hours, Monday to Friday. The dietitian works closely with nursing, medical, and allied health staff, as well as external providers, though there is also capacity for independent clinical work. Travel is minimal, though there may be occasional requirements for meetings, service linkages, or outreach within the district.

About you:
We are looking for someone who brings strong clinical capability alongside a calm, thoughtful and collaborative approach. A successful candidate will be able to build rapport with young people and families, work confidently within a multidisciplinary team, and communicate clearly across disciplines. They will demonstrate sound clinical reasoning, particularly in the management of eating disorders and complex presentations, and be comfortable working in a dynamic inpatient environment. Flexibility, initiative, and a genuine passion for working with children and adolescents are essential, along with an interest in recovery-oriented, trauma-informed care and a positive contribution to team culture.

We are seeking a dietitian with relevant qualifications and eligibility for professional registration. Experience in paediatrics, mental health, or eating disorders will be highly regarded. Key strengths include sound risk awareness, the ability to support refeeding and nutritional rehabilitation, and confidence in providing consultation and education to both staff and families.

How you'll be supported:
The dietitian is well supported within a multidisciplinary team that values open communication, shared decision-making, and mutual respect. Day-to-day support comes from experienced nursing, medical, and allied health staff, as well as senior clinical leaders within CAMHS. There is a strong culture of checking in, debriefing, and working through complex cases together. The service encourages open and honest communication, with regular opportunities to contribute ideas and raise concerns. A structured orientation is provided, including local processes, clinical pathways, and introductions to key stakeholders, with ongoing access to education, supervision, and support as the clinician builds confidence in the role.

The team places importance on connection and celebrating milestones, whether that be informal catch ups, recognising birthdays, or acknowledging key moments such as staff moving on or going on leave. Feedback is encouraged through both formal and informal channels, including regular supervision, performance development processes, rounding and team discussions, with a clear focus on continuous improvement. There are strong opportunities for professional growth, including access to training, involvement in service development, QI projects, and opportunities to build expertise in areas such as eating disorders and adolescent mental health. While the role is primarily structured within standard hours, there may be opportunities to contribute additional hours or projects depending on service needs and individual interest, including back fill for leave.

Requirements:

• Must hold a bachelor or post graduate degree in nutrition and dietetics that provides eligibility for full membership of the Dietitians Australia (DA), or other qualification deemed equivalent by the employer.
• Eligible to drive in NSW.

What we can offer you:
At Hunter New England Health, enjoy a career where you're challenged by interesting work and surrounded by spectacular locations. You'll contribute to the team enriching health in millions of ways every day. On top of this we also offer:

• Sustainable Healthcare: Together towards zero
• Proximity to shopping and other services
• 4 weeks annual leave (pro-rata for part time employees)
• Salary packaging options - up to $11,600 plus novated leasing
• Fitness Passport for health and well-being - discounted gym options for you and your family
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for staff and family members

 

Additional information:

• An eligibility list will be created for future temporary part time vacancies.
• To be eligible for employment in this position you must be an Australian Citizen, or a permanent resident of Australia, or a New Zealand citizen with a current New Zealand Passport. Employment of a temporary visa holder may only occur if no suitable local candidate is identified for the position; in this instance, you may only be offered employment in line with the conditions and expiry date of your visa.

• We are unable to accommodate visa sponsorship for applicants requiring a visa for this position.